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Molina a bit sore, but in starting lineup

Molina a bit sore, but in starting lineup

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BOSTON -- Bengie Molina was back in the Rangers' lineup on Saturday night, still basking in the glow of hitting for the cycle on Friday night, but also dealing with a sore right quadriceps muscle just above the knee.

"It's a little sore today," Molina said after getting extensive pregame treatment. "But I think it will ready. I killed it with ice [Friday], so we'll see how it feels."

Molina injured the muscle slipping while running around first base as he was legging out his eighth-inning triple. That was the hit that allowed him to become the fifth player in Rangers history and the 14th catcher in Major League history to hit for the cycle.

Molina had to be lifted for a pinch-runner after he reached third base. Texas flew Max Ramirez to Boston just in case Molina couldn't go but he told manager Ron Washington he was ready.

A problem for Molina is that he has been wearing a standard size shin guard since being acquired from the Giants on July 1. He wore a custom-made shorter pair when he was with the Giants because he has shorter legs than the typical catcher. The standard size is higher up from the knee and the end digs into his leg where he has the strained quadriceps muscle.

Molina said they are trying to get him a shorter pair to wear for the Rangers.

"The one I had with the Giants is orange and white," Molina said. "I don't think I can wear that here."

Molina said it hasn't sunk in yet that he hit for the cycle, although he has been bombarded with phone calls and text messages from family and friends.

"I had about 50 text messages and a bunch of phone calls," Molina said. "I've had so much to think about like getting ready to catch Cliff Lee. But it was very special."

Molina started Saturday because Washington wanted him to catch Lee. That's the only Rangers pitcher that Molina hasn't caught since the trade. But Molina is expected to get Sunday and Monday off with Matt Treanor scheduled to start.